Oh, I forgot to say that Cymbalta is also an antidepressant. Most antidepressants are excellent for pain.

I have both Immune Deficiency and Autoimmune conditions, as well as PN. Depression is a super symptom of autoimmune conditions and I can watch it come and go with an autoimmune flare, like clockwork.

Depression is insidious and the worst symptom we have, I think. Everything else we KNOW is NOT us, it is our bodies.

But when depression starts for me, it feels like it IS ME. I don't even know that something has changed, I just know that things are very bleak and won't get better.

It takes me forever to realize that it is DEPRESSION.

It is so important to move your body in some way, exercise in the pool is my choice, and also working with the equipment at the health club. the sort I sit in and move parts of my body.

Meeting with other people, helping other people, sharing here, playing games I like (Words with Friends) and reading also help me.

It is natural to grieve our losses. Do not expect yourself to move on without grief. And as I said, pain is a terrible companion, hogging all the energy, air and light, and never shutting up a minute.

I wish you all well.

Hugs, Elaine